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About Lexington When European settlers arrived on the scene, the Bluegrass region was in use as a hunting ground for numerous Native American tribes. Daniel Boone was one of the first Anglo-Saxons to explore the area and helped establish Kentucky's first forts in Harrodsburg and Boonesborough. Lexington was founded in 1775, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. By 1820, it was one of the largest and wealthiest towns west of the Allegheny Mountains. So cultured was its lifestyle, Lexington gained the nickname "Athens of the West." Central Location Top(See map ) Geography Top Fayette County consists of 283 square miles of gently rolling plateau in the center of the inner Bluegrass Region. The area is noted for its beauty, fertile soil, excellent pastureland and horse and stock farms. Poa Pratensis (bluegrass) thrives on the limestone beneath the soil's surface, playing a major role in the area's scenic beauty and in the development of champion horses. Numerous small creeks rise and flow into the Kentucky River. Population TopThe latest U.S. Census estimate for Lexington-Fayette County is 270,789 (2006). The estimated population of the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which is comprised of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties, is 424,778. Places of Worship TopThere are over 230 churches and synagogues in Lexington, representing 38 denominations as well as mosques and a Hindu temple. Call the Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information. Media TopDaily morning newspaper: Lexington Herald-Leader Commercial television stations: Public television (PBS affiliate): Local Cable Provider: Minimum drinking age is 21. Alcoholic beverages may be sold in licensed bars and restaurants from 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. Sunday to 2:30 a.m. Monday. Package stores may open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Smoking is not allowed inside public buildings, including restaurants. For a street map of the central downtown district in PDF format, click here.Time Zone Top October to April: Eastern Standard Time Current Forecast Average minimum and maximum temperatures:
Outdoor Recreation Top More than 3,000 acres in Fayette County are designated as park facilities. The four largest are Jacobson Park, Masterson Station Park, Shillito Park and Woodland Park. The area also offers 15 public and semi-private golf courses, including the Pete Dye designed, championship-caliber Kearney Hill Links. (See also Golf in the Bluegrass .) Inspired to go riding in the Horse Captial of the World? Horseback riding is available at the Kentucky Horse Park and a number of area stables. (See The Great Outdoors .) Need recreation for your dog? Lexington has three "Dog Parks" located inside the following parks: Lexington's crime consistently ranks below the national average. In addition to foot and car patrols, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department operates two highly visible units that have proven to be effective crime deterrents. The Lexington Mounted Police Unit and Mountain Bike Unit patrol the downtown area on horseback and bicycles to help assure community safety. Crimes reported in 2004 were the lowest in 30 years. A survey released in 2005 by Mercer Human Resource Consulting ranked Lexington as one of the five safest cities in the United States. For a street map of the central downtown district in PDF format, click here.Corporations/Industry in Lexington Top Traditional products of the area include horses, tobacco and handcrafts, but an increasing diversity of products and services contributes to a healthy economy. Major employers in the Lexington area include: Ashland Inc. The Council of State Governments, the National Tour Association and the Association of Retail Travel Agents are national organizations that are headquartered in Lexington. Also, The National Horse Center at the Kentucky Horse Park is the national headquarters to 14 equine associations. Universities/Colleges in Lexington and the Region TopAsbury College Kentucky state sales tax is 6 percent. Groceries are exempt. There is a hotel tax of 6 percent and a state fee of 1%, bringing the total tax on hotel rooms to13.4%. For a street map of the central downtown district in PDF format, click here.Important Phone Numbers Top
Visitor Planning Guide Top Our comprehensive Visitor Planning Guide is printed once each year. This colorful magazine has suggestions for dining and shopping, sample itineraries, information on attractions in the region, a complete list of accommodations, and more! You can register to receive a Visitor Planning Guide by mail. If you wish, the entire Guide is available in PDF format. This website has a wealth of information about things to do in the Bluegrass Region. Browse the Idea Guide, or check out the lists of local and regional attractions. Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Top Exclusive Email Offers! Click here to register for special offers via email. |
©
2008Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
301 East Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507-1513
Visitor Info: 1-800-845-3959 or 859-233-7299
Group Info: 1-800-848-1224 or 859-233-1221